Collapsible multi-beverage cup/bottle holder

ABSTRACT

A collapsible beverage carrier having a moveable base support and a squared handle, adapted to be collapsible for safe and easy transport and storage when not in use, said carrier further comprising a top surface plate having a plurality of circular shaped openings positioned therein for receiving a plurality of beverage containers, a pair of circular catches each disposed on opposite sides of the top surface; and a pair of curve shaped hinges positioned at the opposite ends along a base of said top surface plate, wherein two side walls are moveably coupled to the pair of curve shaped hinges such that when the side walls are coupled to the top surface in a first position they each extend downward, laterally away from the top surface and when the side walls are then rotated inward, in opposite directions, toward the top surface they thereby rotate into a “closed” position and extend in a parallel fashion along the base/bottom of the top surface plate.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to devices for holding and carrying beverage containers. In particular this invention relates to a device for holding and carrying a plurality of beverages which is adapted to be collapsible for safe and easy transport and storage when not in use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Beverages are commonly sold in bottles, cups or cans, which may come in various sizes, and are generally circular in cross section. Such beverage bottles, cups or cans are commonly transported for consumption to beaches, parks, sporting events and other recreational areas from a vehicle to an area where the beverages are to be consumed. When individuals need to carry such bottles, cups or cans, beverage bottle carriers are needed to enable an individual to carry the beverages more easily than grasping them individually by hand.

Beverage bottle carriers are generally known in the art. Exemplary of the patents of the related art are the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,297,220; 4,678,221; 4,776,622; 5,096,246; 5,320,232; 5,437,401; 5,441,320; Re. 35,288; 5,603,545; 5,695,232; 5,735,562; 5,927,781; 6,029,870; and 6,352,235 B2.

One disadvantage of prior art beverage carriers are that they are designed to be held from the bottom and often do not include any mechanism for preventing the beverage from tipping or falling over. Accordingly, what is needed is a beverage carrier which can be easily carried. What is further needed is a beverage carrier which provides additional support in order to prevent the beverages from falling or tipping over sideways. Finally, what is also needed is a beverage carrier with a lightweight design which can be easily transported and stored when not in use.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a frontal perspective view of the beverage carrier of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the beverage carrier of the present invention;

FIG. 3 offers an exploded view of the beverage carrier of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a top perspective view for a preferred embodiment for the top surface plate of the beverage carrier of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom perspective view for a preferred embodiment for the top surface plate of the beverage carrier of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a lengthwise side perspective view for a preferred embodiment for the top surface plate of the beverage carrier of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates an outer perspective view for a preferred embodiment of a side wall of the beverage carrier of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates an inner perspective view for a preferred embodiment of a side wall of the beverage carrier of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom perspective view for a preferred embodiment of a side wall of the beverage carrier of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a first angle perspective view of a preferred embodiment for a handle of the beverage carrier of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a second and opposite angle perspective view of a preferred embodiment for a handle of the beverage carrier of the present invention

FIG. 12 illustrates a top perspective view of a preferred embodiment for a base support of the beverage carrier of the present invention;

FIG. 13 illustrates a lengthwise side perspective view of a preferred embodiment for a base support of the beverage carrier of the present invention; and

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of the beverage carrier of the present invention in a fully collapsed mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention includes a device for holding and carrying a plurality of beverages which is adapted to be collapsible for safe and easy transport and storage when not in use. FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 illustrate front and rear perspective views of the beverage carrier of the present invention. As shown, the device includes a first top surface plate 10, two side walls 12 coupled to the top surface plate 10 at first ends of the side walls 12, a base support 14 coupled between the two side walls 12 at second and opposite ends of the side walls 12, and a handle 16 coupled to the top surface plate 10. As will be explained further hereinafter, the beverage carrier is fully collapsible into one compact unit such that it is easily transported and/or stored when it is not in use.

FIG. 3 offers an exploded view of the beverage carrier of the present invention which better illustrates each of the component parts of the beverage carrier, including a first top surface 10, two side walls 12, a base support 14, and a handle 16 for carrying the beverage carrier of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top perspective view for a preferred embodiment for the top surface plate 10 of the beverage carrier of the present invention and FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom perspective view for a preferred embodiment for the top surface plate of the beverage carrier of the present invention. As shown, the top surface plate 10 preferable has a rectangular shape with a plurality of circular shaped openings 42 disposed therein, arranged in a geometric pattern and evenly spaced from each other and the edges of the top surface. These plurality of circular shaped openings each have a circumference designed for receiving a beverage container. In a preferred embodiment, the edges of the circular openings 42 are lipped outward on the upper surface of the top surface place creating a circular ring about each opening.

As further shown in FIG. 4 the outer edge 44 of the top surface place has a border/wall 46 such that the actual surface is slightly recessed and enclosed/surrounded by the border/wall 46 on all sides. In a preferred embodiment the carrier is designed to hold/carrier six beverage containers. In this embodiment, the top surface plate is approximately 13 inches long and 8.5 inches wide, with a thickness of approximately 1 inch and is made of a lightweight durable material such as plastic. Alternatively, the carrier may be configured to hold any other number of containers such as 2, 4, 8 or 12, in which case the dimensions of the top surface plate vary accordingly.

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom perspective view for a preferred embodiment for the top surface plate of the beverage carrier of the present invention, while FIG. 6 illustrates a lengthwise side perspective view for a preferred embodiment for the top surface plate of the beverage carrier of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the top surface also includes a pair of circular catches 50 disposed on opposite ends of the top surface. Each circular catch 50 is preferably disposed centrally (at a midway point) along its relative end and is preferably approximately ½ (one-half) inches in diameter.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the top surface has a pair of curve shaped hinges 52 also position on opposite ends along the base/bottom of said top surface plate 10, just below the circular catches 50. Each of said curve shaped hinges 52 extends laterally downward and inward, again from opposite ends of the base/bottom of said top surface plate, just below each of the circular catches. In a preferred embodiment, these curve shaped hinges are centrally located (at a midway point) and preferably extend approximately 4 (four) inches in total length (two inches in each opposite direction from the central point) along the length of each end of the base of the top surface plate. It is understood that in alternative embodiments designed to hold/carry fewer or more beverages these dimensions may change as needed/necessary.

Referring to FIG. 5, this perspective also provides a better illustration of the base/bottom of the top surface plate, further illustrating the two individual curve shaped hinges 52 which are positioned at opposite ends of the base of the top surface plate 10 and each of which extend laterally outward and downward from the top surface plate. As shown in FIG. 5, each curve shaped hinge has a pair of circular shaped extensions 54 which extend outwardly therefrom, each extending from opposite sides of the curve shaped hinge 52. These circular shaped extensions 54 are designed to meet and mate with locking holes (not shown) disposed in flanges in each of the side walls such that the two side walls are hingedly, moveably coupled to the top surface plate and can thereby rotate inward at a 90 degree angle, about each of the curve shaped hinges.

FIG. 7 illustrates an outer perspective view for a preferred embodiment of a side wall of the beverage carrier of the present invention, while FIG. 8 illustrates an inner perspective view of said side wall. As shown in these figures, the side wall 12 includes a planar surface 72 having flanged edges 74 along the side edges of the side wall, each of which extend inwardly along each opposite side of the planar surface 72 of the side wall. These flanged edges 74 each have a base support slot 75 into which the base support 14 will removably couple (as will be described in greater detail further hereinafter) such that the base support 14 slides up and down between the two flanged edges along the base support slot 75.

A side wall is preferably approximately 6½ (six and one half) inches in height such that when in use, a plurality of beverages can be carried using the carrier of the present invention with each container being positioned to extend through one of the plurality of circular shaped openings in the top surface.

As further shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the top edge of the planar surface 72 of a side wall is preferably bridge shaped, having an extended recess 76 which is preferably approximately 4 (four) inches long (the same length as each curve shaped hinge 52 of the top surface plate 10) and designed to engage with the curve shaped hinge 52 along the base of said top surface plate. More specifically, the recess 76 has a pair of inner flanges 78 which extend inwardly, each inner flange 78 having a locking hole 79 positioned therein. These locking holes 79 are used to couple the side wall to the top surface plate. More specifically, the circular shaped extensions 54 which extend outwardly from opposite sides of the curve shaped hinge 52 along the base of the top surface plate 10 meet and mate with the locking holes 79 disposed in these inner flanges 78 of a side wall, such that a side wall is then hingedly, moveably coupled to the top surface on each side, and whereby each side wall can then rotate inward at a 90 degree angle about the curve shaped hinge.

Accordingly, a first side is coupled to one side of the top surface plate 10 and can rotate inward at a 90 (ninety) degree angle about the curve shaped hinge on a first side along the base/bottom of the top surface plate and a second, alternate side wall is coupled to the opposite side of the top surface plate and can rotate inward (in an opposite direction) at a 90 (ninety) angle degree about the curve shaped hinge on the opposite side of the base/bottom of the top surface plate, such that when two side walls are coupled to the top surface plate and placed in a first position, they each extend downward, laterally away from the top surface plate and when the two side walls are then rotated inward, in opposite directions, toward the top surface plate they thereby rotate into a “closed” position and extend in a parallel fashion along the base of the top surface plate.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention further includes means for locking the side walls into place when the beverage holder is fully collapsed. FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom perspective view for a preferred embodiment of a side wall of the beverage carrier of the present invention which illustrates one embodiment for accomplishing this means for locking the side walls. As shown, on the bottom edge of the side wall are positioned three circular shaped protrusions 81, 82 and 83. The first two protrusions 81 and 82 are arranged in pair on a first side of the bottom edge. The third protrusion 83 stands alone on an opposite side of the bottom edge. The distance between the two protrusions 81 and 82 in the pair is approximately equal to the diameter of the third protrusion 83. In practice, each opposing side wall in the carrier will have the same configuration such that when the side walls are rotated/folded inward, the third protrusion 83 in each side wall mate with and is clasped by the pair 81 and 82 in the other, opposing side wall, thus interlocking the side walls together.

FIG. 10 illustrates a first angle perspective view of a preferred embodiment for a handle of the beverage carrier of the present invention, and FIG. 11 illustrates a second and opposite angle perspective view of a preferred embodiment for a handle of the beverage carrier of the present invention. As shown in these figures, the handle 16 is preferably squared in shape having a central semi-circular shaped rod 92 (i.e. a half-rod) with opposing arms 94 extending downward in a lateral fashion from opposite ends of the half-rod. Each opposing arm is preferably configured with a recess slot 96 positioned therein for moveably coupling the squared handle 16 to the top surface plate 10. More specifically, in a preferred embodiment the handle is movably coupled to the top surface plate by mating the circular catches 50 disposed along the sides of the top surface plate 10 with the recess slots 96 in the arms 94 of the handle 16. In this way, the handle can slide up and down and also rotate at a full 180 degree angle from side to side about the circular catches 50. In a preferred embodiment, the opposing arms are preferably at least 4½ (four and one half) inches in height/although other embodiments are contemplated and included within the scope of the invention. In either event, the opposing arms of the handles are of a desired length such that the squared handle 16 stands at a sufficient height above the top surface plate and will not make contact with any of the beverage containers when they are placed in the carrier and further such that when the handle is rotated to one side or the other, it will not make contact with the beverage containers and the semi-circular shaped rod can be fully positioned adjacent to and just along a lengthwise traverse side of the top surface plate, with the opposing arms are positioned adjacent to and just along opposing ends of the top surface plate.

FIG. 12 illustrates a top perspective view of a preferred embodiment for a base support 14 of the beverage carrier of the present invention, while FIG. 13 illustrates a lengthwise side perspective view of said base support 14. As shown, the base support is a thin, planar, rectangular surface having a lipped or walled edge on all four sides and four connection extensions 110, one at each corner of the base. Each of the four connection extensions 110 has an outer cylindrical shaped knot 112 protruding from the outer side of the extension, away from the base support. When the beverage carrier is in use, the base support is coupled between the two side walls such that these cylindrically shaped knots 112, each engage with a respective base support slot 75 in the flanged edges 74 of the side walls such that the base support is coupled removably to the side walls 12 below the top surface plate 10. As described earlier herein, the base support 14 can then slide up and down within the two side walls 12 below the top surface plate 10, along the base support slots 75.

When the beverage carrier is collapsed for transport or storage, the base support is slid all the way up along the slots 75 in the side walls 12 until it is just below the top surface plate, in a lateral and parallel fashion, at which time the two side walls are then rotated inwardly at 90 degrees, thereby forming a single cohesive unit, as shown in FIG. 14, such that the base support is sandwiched between the top surface plate 10 and the two side walls 12.

Referring specifically to FIG. 14, there is shown a perspective view of the beverage carrier of the present invention in a fully collapsed mode. As shown, the base support is positioned and held between the top surface plate 10 and the two side walls 12, which have each been rotated in by 90 (ninety) degrees, thereby forming another parallel layer just below and coupled to the top surface plate between which the base support is sandwiched. As further shown in FIG. 14, the squared handle 16 has been rotated downward into a second position at a 90 degree angle, such that the semi-circular shaped rod 92 of the handle is parallel to the lengthwise edge of the top surface plate, preferably with the semi-circular shaped rod being positioned just along a lengthwise traverse side of the top surface plate and the opposing arms 94 each being positioned in parallel fashion widthwise along opposing ends of the top surface plate 10.

An advantage of the present invention is that it can be formed from lightweight plastic, metal or fiberglass and no glue or other adhesive or fastening means is required to assemble the carrier of the present invention, thus reducing the number of manufacturing steps and associated cost. The carrier is simple and fast to fold/collapse, making it particularly useful in outdoor environments, for example a stadium, where fast assembly of various food and drink items require an easy-to-use carrier. Another advantage is that when fully collapsed the carrier is relatively flat and takes up relatively little space for storage and transport.

Although only a few exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described in detail hereinabove, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the following claims. 

1. A device for holding and carrying a plurality of beverage containers, adapted to be collapsible for safe and easy transport and storage when not in use, said device comprising: a top surface plate having a plurality of circular shaped openings positioned therein for receiving a plurality of beverage containers and a pair of curve shaped hinges positioned at the opposite sides along a base of said top surface, two side walls moveable coupled to the pair of curve shaped hinges positioned on opposite sides of the base of said top surface plate such that when the side walls are coupled to the top surface plate in a first position they each extend downward, laterally away from the top surface and when the side walls are then rotated inward, in opposite directions, toward the top surface plate they thereby rotate into a “closed” position and extend in a parallel fashion along the base of the top surface plate.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein each side wall includes means for locking or securing the side walls into place when they are rotated inward and positioned parallel to the base of the top plate, said means for locking including three protrusions positioned along a bottom edge of each side wall.
 3. The device of claim 1 further comprising a moveable base support coupled between the two side walls, wherein said base support is moveable in a vertical fashion between said two side walls such that the base support slides up and down between the two side walls.
 4. The device of claim 1 further comprising: a pair of circular catches disposed on opposite sides of the top surface; and a squared handle having opposing extensions with recess slots positioned therein for coupling the squared handle to the top surface by mating the circular catches with the recess slots.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the two sides walls has a bridge shaped top edge having an extended recess therein such that each side wall is designed to engage with the curve shaped hinge which is positioned at the opposite ends along the base of the top surface
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein each recess has a pair of inner flanges which extend outwardly, each flange having a locking hole positioned therein.
 7. The device of claim 6, wherein each curve shaped hinge has a pair of circular shaped extensions extending outwardly therefrom on opposite sides of the curve shaped hinge such that these circular shaped extensions meet and mate with the locking holes disposed in the inner flanges of each side wall, such that each side wall is then hingedly, moveably coupled to the top surface and can rotate inward at a 90 degree angle (in an opposite direction) about its respective curve shaped hinge.
 8. A collapsible beverage carrier for holding and carrying a plurality of beverage containers, adapted to be collapsible for safe and easy transport and storage when not in use, said device comprising: a top surface plate having a plurality of circular shaped openings positioned therein for receiving a plurality of beverage containers, a pair of circular catches each disposed on opposite sides of the top surface; and a pair of curve shaped hinges positioned at the opposite ends along a base of said top surface, and two side walls moveable coupled to the pair of curve shaped hinges positioned on opposite sides of the base of said top surface such that when the side walls are coupled to the top surface in a first position they each extend downward, laterally away from the top surface and when the side walls are then rotated inward, in opposite directions, toward the top surface they thereby rotate into a “closed” position and extend in a parallel fashion along the base of the top surface.
 9. The beverage carrier of claim 8 wherein each side wall includes means for locking or securing the side walls into place when they are rotated inward and positioned parallel to the base of the top plate, said means for locking including three protrusions positioned along a bottom edge of each side wall.
 10. The beverage carrier of claim 8, further comprising a moveable base support coupled between the two side walls, wherein said base support is moveable in a vertical fashion between said two side walls such that the base support slides up and down between the two side walls.
 11. The beverage carrier of claim 8, further comprising a squared handle moveably coupled to the top surface such that in a first position the handle is upright for carrying the beverage carrier and in a second position the handle is rotated downward at a 90 degree angle, such that the handle is parallel to the top surface.
 12. The beverage carrier of claim 8, wherein the base support is slid in an upward direction and positioned just below the top surface plate before the two side walls are each rotated in by 90 (ninety) degrees, thereby forming a parallel layer between the top surface plate and the two side walls.
 13. The beverage carrier of claim 11, wherein the squared handle is comprised of: a central semi-circular shaped rod (i.e. a half-rod); opposing arms extending downward in a lateral fashion from opposite ends of the half-rod: and recess slots positioned in each of said opposing arms for coupling the squared handle to the top surface by mating the circular catches with the recess slots.
 14. The beverage carrier of claim 8, wherein each of the two sides walls has a bridge shaped top edge having an extended recess therein such that each side wall is designed to engage with the curve shaped hinge which is positioned at the opposite ends along the base of the top surface, each recess having a pair of inner flanges which extend outwardly, each flange having a locking hole positioned therein.
 15. The beverage carrier of claim 14, wherein each curve shaped hinge has a pair of circular shaped extensions extending outwardly therefrom on opposite sides of the curve shaped hinge such that these circular shaped extensions meet and mate with the locking holes disposed in the inner flanges of each side wall, such that each side wall is then hingedly, moveably coupled to the top surface and can rotate inward at a 90 degree angle (in an opposite direction) about its respective curve shaped hinge.
 16. A method for carrying beverages comprising: providing a top surface plate having a plurality of circular shaped openings positioned therein for receiving a plurality of beverage containers, said top surface plate also having a pair of circular catches each disposed on opposite sides of the top surface plate; and a pair of curve shaped hinges positioned at the opposite ends along a base of said top surface plate, and hingedly coupling two side walls to the pair of curve shaped hinges and arranging the side walls in a first position such that they each extend downward, laterally away from the top surface plate.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the additional step of: providing a moveable base support coupled between the two side walls in order to hold the beverage containers in the circular shaped openings of the top surface plate and prevent them from sliding through the openings in the top surface plate, wherein said base support is moveable in a vertical fashion between said two side walls such that the base support slides up and down between the two side walls.
 18. The method of claim 16 further comprising the additional step of: rotatingly coupling a squared handle having a central semi-circular shaped rod, and opposing arms extending therefrom, to the top surface plate and arranging the handle in a first position such that the handle is an upright, vertical position for carrying the beverage beverages.
 19. The method of claim 16 further comprising the additional step of: moving the base support upward and placing it just below the top surface in a horizontal, parallel arrangement; rotating each side wall inward at a 90 degree angle (in an opposite direction) about its respective curve shaped hinge such that the side walls are then arranged in a parallel fashion just below the base support, thereby retaining the base support between the top surface and the side walls; and rotating the squared handle downward into a second position at a 90 degree angle, such that the handle is parallel to the top surface plate with the semi-circular shaped rod being positioned along a lengthwise traverse side of the top surface plate and the opposing arms being positioned widthwise along opposing ends of the top surface plate. 